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Portugal Holidays

Holidays to Portugal involve scenic walking routes, historic cities and long beaches.

Easy to explore

Portugal might be smaller than its Spanish neighbour, but it still offers a lot for your money. You’ll find cobbled streets and long stretches of sandy coastline, plus a great food scene. Many people just travel to Lisbon and move on, but there’s a lot more to see once you look beyond the capital. The best places to visit are spread across the mainland and its islands, so it’s easy to plan different types of trips. Choose summer for beach days, or to avoid the crowds go during Easter, September or October – the weather’s still warm, but you don’t get the peak-season prices.

Colourful cities

Lisbon and Porto are two of Portugal’s most popular city breaks. Both have colourful landscapes where the streets are lined with buildings covered in painted tiles, and even the pavements are patterned – so simply wandering around feels like part of the experience. What sets these cities apart is how much they offer in a small space – lively neighbourhoods, riverside views and beaches, all within easy reach.

History and culture

Portugal has several historic castles, and the Pena Palace in Sintra is one of the most recognisable. This colourful palace sits high up on a rocky peak, so the views stretch for miles. Nearby, you’ll also find the Castelo dos Mouros and the National Palace of Sintra – all three are easy to visit in a single day from Lisbon, with regular public transport and short journey times.

Natural landscapes

If fresh air and open space are high on your list, Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, in the northwest of the country is a must. It’s ideal for walking and spending time outdoors – the landscape is shaped by mountains, reservoirs and woodland, with waterfalls and natural river pools dotted along the routes. There’s a good mix of walking trails, too – from full-day hikes to shorter circular walks, that include places for a swim and picnic break. For panoramic views across the park, head to Pedra Bela viewpoint – there are paths here that also lead you to the Arado waterfalls. Along the west coast, Vicentine Coast Natural Park is considered one of Europe’s best stretches of coastline, while at the southwestern tip, Cape Saint Vincent was once thought to be the edge of the world. It’s the southwestern most point of Portugal and the whole of Europe – make a trip to the lighthouse to get beautiful sunset views.  

Best places to stay in Portugal

Holidays to Portugal offer a different experience depending on where you stay.

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Portugal FAQs

Portugal is on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordering Spain to the east and north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. As well as its mainland, Portugal includes the Azores – an archipelago about 1,500 kilometres west of Lisbon, and Madeira, which is further south in the Atlantic and includes the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.  

Tipping in Portugal isn’t obligatory but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% of the bill is common, and in cafés and for smaller services, it’s typical to round up the bill or leave a small amount. For taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving an additional euro or two is usually appreciated.  

Some areas, especially older parts of cities like Lisbon and Porto, may be challenging for those with mobility issues because of their style of narrow, cobbled streets and hilly districts. But Portugal is making a lot of improvements to its accessibility – most modern hotels, restaurants and public transport are well equipped, and many major attractions also offer accessible entrances and facilities. The big beaches in the Algarve often have accessible boardwalks and adapted services for people with mobility needs, too.

For a more authentic Portuguese experience, visit smaller towns like Évora, Guimarães and Tavira – where local traditions are still thriving. You can dine at local ‘tascas’ – small taverns – instead of touristy restaurants to try local food, and explore Portugal’s national park, Peneda-Gerês, to see an alternative side of the country.

When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.